Course Content

Description

Our taught MA pathway in Studies in Poetry offers choice, flexibility and the opportunity to specialise within this field. You can learn from the rich variety of research expertise in the Department and you also have the chance to concentrate on a particular area of literary study within the field. Our commitment to research-led teaching means that students are able to explore the cutting edge of the discipline - from warrior poets in heroic societies to Romantic forms of grief, from the study of modern poetry to writing poetry of your own. We provide an intimate, dynamic and supportive environment for students of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Our programme offers up-to-date training in research methods and skills.

You choose three modules, at least two of which are from within the pathway, and you will write a dissertation on a subject related to studies in poetry.

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An MA in Studies in Poetry is often the platform for further research at PhD level, as well as providing an excellent grounding for jobs in education, the arts and the media.

Course Structure

If you choose to take this named pathway, you will be expected to select at least two modules from those available within the pathway and to write your dissertation in an area related to it. Your third optional module may, if you wish, be chosen from the full list of modules on offer in the Department. Students may, with permission, take one module from other modules on offer in the Arts Faculty. All students must take the core Research Methods and Resources module and the dissertation.

Core Modules

Research Methods and Resources

Dissertation

Optional Modules

Typical modules might include:

Warrior Poets in Heroic Societies

John Milton: Life, Works and Infuence

Elegy: from John Milton to Seamus Heaney

Romantic Forms of Grief

Second Generation Romantic Poetry

Women in Victorian Poetry and Painting

Modern Poetry

Twentieth-Century Satire

Writing Poetry.

Modules are subject to staff availability and may alter. Please use the 'additional comments' section of the application form to indicate your choice of modules.

Learning and Teaching

One of the distinctive features of the Durham MA in Literary Studies is that it permits both a broad-based, eclectic study of literary topics from the earliest periods of literature to the present and the possibility of specialisation through designated pathways in such areas as Medieval and Renaissance Studies or Twentieth-Century Studies. All students take 3 modules, taught in small seminar groups of up to 10, with each module generating twenty hours of contact time (10 seminars x 2 hours) over the academic year. A strong emphasis is placed on independent research, and seminars usually involve a considerable amount of preparation, including short presentations and workshops.

All students register for the Research Methods and Resources module, which generates an additional 20 hours over the academic year. Again, a strong emphasis is given to independent research. Both pieces of written work for the RMR module involve significant preparation for the MA dissertation (and in some cases for doctoral study later on). The MA dissertation is supported by three hours of dedicated individual supervision time. Drafts of the dissertation are read and commented upon by the supervisor.

Throughout the taught MA degree programme, all students are strongly encouraged to participate in a lively series of staff-postgraduate research seminars, usually involving invited guest speakers from UK (and occasionally) overseas universities.

Admissions Process

Subjects required, level and grade

You will normally require an English or English-related Honours degree (at least a 2:1) or equivalent from a recognised university.

In addition to your three module choices, you will also need to include a piece of written work of approximately 1,200 words in length on a literary subject. This can be any piece of literary-critical work you have completed recently and may be emailed direct to the Department if you wish.

Should you also wish to be considered for the 'Writing Poetry' module, you will also need to send samples of your own poetic compositions.

We welcome applications from holders of international qualifications. For advice on the equivalency of international qualifications, please contact our International Office.

English Language requirements

IELTS score of at least 7.0 in the IELTS test (with no element below 6.5) or at least 102 in the TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) (with no element below 25).

Requirements and Admissions

Fees and Funding

Fees shown are for one year. Total fee will depend on the length of your programme. All fees are subject to annual increases. For more information please visit the Tuition Fees page www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/finance/tuition

NB: Information contained on the website or in the literature with respect to the fee is correct at the time of publication but the University reserves the right to change the course information or fee at a later date.